Ever heard of the phrase “Save for a rainy day”? With the on-going economic challenges, the rainy day does not seem so far off. It is hard work to earn the money but an even harder one to save. Seriously it takes a lot of discipline, focus and mental maturity to pull it off and here are nine incredible albeit not so easy habits to develop for the efficient saver.

Open a Savings Only account

Open a target account dedicated to savings alone. With a view and a standing order to periodical investments. When the amount hits a certain figure transfer it to a fixed deposit account to be renewed (Roll-Over) every 30 – 90 days, a guaranteed fund or treasury bills.

Regular Timely Deposits

Make a habit of depositing into your savings account at least twice a week, the amounts need not be fixed or large. This ensures that you get used to idea and process and before you know it you sub-consciously remind yourself that you haven’t saved when you miss out on a week. Furthermore, the Nairas add up at the end of the day.

Always Put Away Cash Gifts and Tips

Believe it or not, paying it forward is a blessing in disguise, whatever cash gifts and tips you receive from friends, family, clients, colleagues or even strangers from your home, neighbourhood or workplace put away in the bank because it usually is not something you expect or budget for thus an added income that will prove useful tomorrow.

Budget! Budget! Budget!

You need to plan out your expenses carefully and judiciously in direct proportion to your income, it is not about cutting your cloth according to your size it’s about cutting your cloth according to the yards available

Put your Needs in Perspective

It is not about what you want anymore but what you need, so if you can do without it is a luxury good or service which shouldn’t have to eat into your income. Put your needs and the absolute necessary first.

Try Group Savings/Donations

There are always cooperative schemes (Esusu) in most work places, clubs and societies. It is both an effective way to get bulk cash and it encourages good saving habits especially for the previous two habits mentioned.

Tighten Your Purse Strings

Sometimes simple things like waking up early and making your own lunch to take to the office or eating breakfast before you leave home, or purchasing fuel before your tank runs out preferably in the early mornings or evenings, taking bus or ‘keke’ instead of taxi or driving, texting or using whatsapp to call goes a long way to helping you save.

Bulk Buying

Buying in bulk helps you save in the long run especially in between holiday/celebratory seasons because it’s cheaper and in the case of provisions lasts longer and frees up your budget if its already stocked up.

Invest in You and Your Future

Keep realistic goals with a view to your future, there should always be a focal point to what you are saving for. Keeping this at the forefront of your mind will ensure that you stay on track. Be it the property you need to free up the rent money, a higher education to get a better job, the fish farm to retire well whatever rows your boat.

Remember we do the hard work and suffer now so we can relax and enjoy tomorrow. We determine the nature of our lifestyles so the onus is on you live your dreams.

People often describe “Stress” as “deadlines,” “traffic,” “being overwhelmed”, “over-commitment,” “not enough time ”and even “having to deal with imprudent people.” This suggests that many believe stress is something that happens to us, but in reality, stress is merely our response to all those external factors. Is there a way to maintain steady focus throughout the day? Is it possible to do everything that needs to get done and still have energy left over after work? How do you keep cool under so many demands? The following steps will help us to manage stress at work:

Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps to release stress-relieving chemicals. Every time you find your stress level on the rise, get up and move. You can stretch, run in place, dance, or walk around the office or building. Doing so gets your blood and endorphin flowing makes you happy.

Learn to say “no”: Being overbooked, overworked, and over-committed will lead to stress. We often feel obligated to say “yes” to everything for fear we won’t be liked. But the greatest act of stress relief is being able to say “no” in a polite way and negotiating when there are lots of workloads and tight deadlines.

Act Rather Than React: You are in control of your actions and responses. However, we often experience stress when we feel situations are out of our control. This activates the stress hormone and wears down our confidence, concentration and well-being. It is good to identify aspects of the situation you can control and let go of the rest.

Take A Deep Breath: If you’re coming out of a tense meeting and need to clear your head, a few minutes of deep breathing will restore balance. Simply inhale for five seconds, hold and exhale in equal counts through the nose. “It’s like getting the calm and focus of a 90-minute yoga class in three minutes or less at your desk”.

Eliminate Interruptions: “Most of us are bombarded during the day”. Emails, phone calls, pop ins, instant messages and sudden, urgent deadlines which all make us more distracted than ever. While you may not have control over the interrupters, you can control your response. Respond in one of three ways: Accept the interruption, cut it off, or diagnosis its importance and make a plan.

Eat Right and Sleep Well: “Eating badly will stress your system,” Its advised to eat a low-sugar, high-protein diet, whole foods, green vegetables, fruits and getting a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and avoid processed food which causes anxiety. “And when you’re not sleeping well, you’re not getting the rejuvenating effects.” Aim for eight hours of sleep each night. Sleeping well is a critical recovery period for the body, which can help you solve problems with a clearer mind and even boost your intelligence.

Identify Self-Imposed Stress: “Learn to stop self-imposing stress by building your own self-confidence rather than seeking other’s approval”. If you’re too caught up in others’ perceptions of you, which you can’t control, you become stressed out. Ironically, once you shift your focus from others’ perception of your work to the work itself, you’re more likely to impress them.

Prioritize Your Priorities: With competing deadlines and fast-changing priorities, it’s critical to be clear and define what’s truly important. Understand your roles, the company’s strategic priorities, and your personal goals and strengths. Discard your to-do list by focusing on those projects that will have the most impact and are best aligned with your goals.

If there is one thing that life is known for, it is its never stable movements. There is no pre-set form that we could expect life to take at any point – no specific shape. The path through life could be bumpy at times when we are just beginning to rest in its smoothness. In truth, these bumps are not supposed to be a problem since they are just one of those things. The most delicate thing that can happen to us as human is not falling; instead it is choosing to stay down. Choosing to stay down is the hole through which the creepy fingers of depression begin to get hold.

FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION

Depression is a salvageable situation: Why many have continued to sink further into their depression is because they have been polluted with the notion that a depressed person is condemned to self-destruction. Even more, most of us that find ourselves in such situations are a victim of our short sightedness environments that tag depression along with some very horrible situation that could create a sense of hopelessness and panic if we let it. The uncorrupted truth is that depression is totally not an irreversible case. In fact, for those who get the right help, they come out even stronger and better.

Depression is not mood swing: Hiding from the truth does not mean it would cease to exist. So we have to really understand that choosing to classify depression alongside mood swing cannot in any way change the fact that there’s a bit more to it than that. Even, mood swing can sometimes be just one out of the manifestations of depression. But relax; it is not too bad to be remedied. It is not strictly female, the greatest lie that anyone could ever tell is that depression is a condition exclusive to the female gender. This is mere baseless statements, as it is medically proven that anybody can suffer from depression. Depression is neither sexist nor restricted by age.

Constant anger is a big sign: An ordinary Nigerian person, in the heat of work, home and whatever other engagements is likely at specific stages, to be provoked to anger. Although anger could be just another normal part of everyday reactions, it could also become very significant when it is overly recurrent.

Low self-esteem: One of the most common causes of depression as proven by many medical experts is low level of self- esteem. What we think about ourselves is a strong decider as to how we act. When we don’t feel too good about any of our qualities, we become insecure and may take offence at any slight attempt by an outsider to touch that side of us. Recent investigations have revealed that the most depressing things that a woman hears everyday are those discouraging things that she says to herself when she feels like she isn’t doing enough.

TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

See the best in you:This simply means that you should groom your mind to love itself. Once you are able to heighten your self-esteem, you become somewhat immune to depression. A word of uncertainty and fear that we say to ourselves matter sometimes more than a ton of insults thrown at us by others. Therefore, we must first investigate our minds and re-orientate ourselves as per how we perceive ourselves.

Anger Management:Well as we have indicated earlier, anger is a great fore-runner of depression. This means that anger management is something that is needed to revive a depressed mind. This can be done by making conscious effort to ensure that your anger never sprouts for unjust reasons. A well- managed anger level is equivalently a significant beat-down on depression.

Avoid isolation/dull moments:Unpleasant thoughts are more likely to show-up in your mind when you are all alone in your room thinking, than when you are out there making the most of your time. Going out and mixing up with people and engaging in normal day to day activities helps a lot to reduce the effects of depression. A depressed mind, when rubbed with a healthier one, is possible to draw strength and positive opinion from them. Along with this, it is required that you turn away dull moments by engaging in things that you know well to excite you. Such activities that delight you will help your mind heal well and fast.

Appreciate Yourself: The least you could do to appreciate yourself for the number of years well spent is to trust, love, and respect you. Refuse to, for any reason, sink into timidity at any point of your life. Give yourself a treat when you feel like you need one, and do not deny yourself the happiness that only you can supply. Also, do not entertain any thoughts of doing yourself any harm.

In the end, when life pushes us hard, it all depends on whether or not we choose to fight back. The fact remains that there is no shame in falling, the true shame lies in staying down. Our mind is our most valued assets as humans and whether or not it is in good condition is a deciding factor in every sphere of our lives. Doctors have also recommended that people suffering from depression must try to engage in physical exercises that will help them fortify their body.

Do you know anyone who has never got angry before? If you do then the only explanation is that the person has an abnormally rare condition. This is because getting angry is not just normal but also healthy. Just as it is okay to be happy, or sad, or anxious, it is okay to be angry. In its own right it qualifies as an emotion.

But why do people say “you need to control your anger?” Well, inasmuch as this feeling is normal, there is a need to control it. Anger is just like alcohol, giving it a ride is okay but allowing it to take the wheel is a really bad idea. Uncontrolled anger could lead to a lot of unfortunate incidents. Some inmates are billed to never walk on the outside because of this, suicide has been patronized, relationships broken, domestic violence turned to, etc.

How To Manage Anger

Take a break: Haven’t you noticed that whenever you get angry the tendency to make rash decisions is really high? You could say things that you later wish were not said, or do things you later regret. That is why it is a good therapy to excuse yourself and cool off. That way you get to mull over what has happened and you stand a better chance of handling the situation better. As I have said, springing into action may not be a good idea. You might say to yourself that it is easier said than done but all you require is self-control. Whenever someone annoys you don’t resort to hauling insults or calling names or fighting or breaking up; just take a walk.

Think first, then speak: Now that you have taken a walk, think. Don’t go off ruminating on what has just happened solely to plan a revenge, no. Analyse the situation: find out if you’re right or wrong, what caused the issue, think of a responsible way to address it, then go back to bury the hatchet. Sometimes, when you take a walk and really think about all that has happened, you may just discover that there’s no need to be angry in the first place. This is because sometimes we blow simple things out of proportion. Also, it is not every time that someone gets you angry that you walk away to think, you can think fast but carefully before you act on the spot.

Lighten the mood: Something has happened at the office, the atmosphere is tense, and you and your colleagues are angry for some reason. Whether you are angry at one another or your boss, it will only weigh you all down. It is okay to get angry but it is not if you stay angry. Besides, there’s only as much that you all can achieve in that state of mind. So what do you do? Lighten the mood. Whatever happened has happened. Allowing it to dictate your life shows weakness and ignorance. So whenever you feel angry, instead of staying angry or transferring your aggression to someone else, bring in humour and laugh it all away. For instance, if you meet someone at a dinner who says you look beautiful sarcastically, don’t cause a scene, just kill the anger by inviting humour.

Forgive: The major reason why some people stay angry even after a long period of time is owing to the lack of forgiveness. They carry such a feeling in their heart and whenever they meet the offender, it would seem as if the wrong was done the previous day. It should not be so. It would be unrealistic to ask anyone to forget a wrong but it isn’t in the area of forgiveness. Once you forgive someone, you let go of every fit of anger or revenge. You are at peace and would have won a significant battle. Go on, do what is divine, and anger would have no control over you.

Prepare your mind: Lastly, you must prepare your mind for the harsh realities of life. Once you understand that many things that happen and will happen are bound to get you angry and moved to act rashly, you would be able to curtail it before it gets too far. So far as the tendency for man to betray, abuse, fight, bribe, cheat and do all sorts of negative things is there, you cannot escape being a victim but you can escape being a victim of anger. Simply put, prepare your mind for it and you won’t fall prey to it.

Uncontrolled anger has its consequences, it is our hope that you manage your anger using the tips above to avoid regrettable events consequences.

Lack of sleep isn't the only thing sapping your energy. Little things you do (and don't do) can exhaust you both mentally and physically, which can make getting through your day a chore. Here, we reveal common bad habits that can make you feel tired, plus simple lifestyle tweaks that will put the pep back in your step.

YOU DON’T DRINK ENOUGH WATER: Being dehydrated takes a toll on the body’s energy level; When you’re dehydrated weaknesses sets in regardless of whether you’ve eaten or not. Dehydration reduces the blood volume thereby making the blood thicker. This makes your heart pump less efficiently thereby reducing the speed at which oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles and organs.

IRON DEFICIENCY (SIDEROPENIA): Iron is needed for many enzymes to function normally; untreated iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, so a wide range of symptoms may eventually emerge, either as the secondary result of the anaemia, or as other primary results of iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency include: Dizziness, weakness and fatigue, Irritability, sluggishness and inability to focus. You can boost your iron intake to reduce your risk of anaemia by eating iron-rich foods such as; liver, cereals and bread, fruits, meat and eggs, beans, seafood, vegetables .

ANXIETY: Anxiety can make you mentally exhausted, Feeling anxious is a normal feeling but when it becomes constant and uncontrollable which is so strong they affect your day, Then it should be worked on. If you are a person who expects that the worst case scenarios will occur, this anxiety can paralyze you. When you are having these thoughts take a deep breath, get outdoors, meditate, or exercise

YOU SKIP BEAKFAST: Breakfast foods contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to jump-start your day. If you're running on empty, it won't be long before you begin feeling tired and cranky. Studies showed that adults who kicked off the day with a solid breakfast had a "greater positive mood" than subjects who ate nothing. It's not just enough that you eat breakfast, but that you're eating the right foods as well.

POOR SLEEPING HABIT: Most adults requires between 7-8 hours of sleep consistent every day to feel their best. Studies have shown sleep deprivation has a negative impact on our performance for the day. While it’s no surprise that you need to sleep in order to avoid feeling like you’re always tired, you may be surprised to hear how just a small amount of sleep deprivation over time can really add up and harm your health and mood.

It is quite unfortunate that heart disease does not spare the young. It does not discriminate based on age, overall health and whether or not it runs in your family, while you can’t change things like age and family history, the good news is that even modest changes to your diet and lifestyle can improve your heart health and lower your risk. These factors can work together to reduce the risks:

CHOOSE A HEALTHY EATING PLAN: You are what you eat, what you eat can reduce your risk of heart diseases. Choose food low in fat and sodium, drink lots of water, and eat lots of raw fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains. As much as you can eat less meat, if you must; select the leanest cuts, Select low fat dairy products, reduce or avoid intake of sugar, alcohol beverages and also use of partial hydrogenated vegetable oil rather use olive oil.

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: Consistent physical activity has many benefits such as helping you quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, lower blood pressure and increase HDL cholesterol. Experts recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, it doesn’t have to be rigorous, simple activities like walking, cleaning the house, etc. The key is to stay active. Exercise does more than burn calories; it also activates genes that are beneficial to health in other ways. Plus, exercise is one of the best treatments for depression and anxiety and lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk for other complications.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE: High blood pressure, called hypertension goes without symptoms in most individuals. High blood pressure causes wear and tear of the delicate inner lining of your blood vessels. The higher your blood pressure (BP) the greater your risk. Measuring blood pressures at home reflects more accurately your risk than having the blood pressure taken at a physician’s office. It is worth the investment to get a cuff meter; High blood pressure can cause increased stress on your cardiovascular system and contribute to heart diseases.

REDUCE STRESS: Stress contributes to cardiovascular disease and, if severe, can cause a heart attack or sudden death. There are plenty of options that help reduce stress, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, striving for a good marriage, laughing, volunteering or attending religious services. Watching TV generally does not relieve, but can aggravate stress. Also, try to avoid situations and people who make you anxious or angry.

MANAGING DIABETES: Diabetes is a severe risk factor for heart disease. It has harmful effects on multiple organs in the body when left untreated and can lead to peripheral artery disease, stroke, and other complications. If you have diabetes, manage your condition to prevent heart disease. Prevention includes regular check-ups with your health care provider, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. Diabetes is managed with medications in some cases. By choosing a healthy lifestyle, you can limit the effects of diabetes and reduce your risk of heart disease.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP: Sleeping daily for fewer hours than the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep for adults can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes. A good way to know if you are getting sufficient sleep is when you feel refreshed, waking up from your bed. However, if you feel so weak and tired, after waking up, it’s a sign that you need more sleep.

SACRIFICES: Financially successful people will acknowledge a reduction in salary/wages, driving a rickety car and the sorry state of their house at the very beginning, and then they take the spare money acquired and invest it into their future. Once in a while, well off individuals decide to live cheaply their entire lives. Warren Buffet is known for driving his auto until it looks so offensive that his representatives weight him into purchasing another one.

THEY ARE FOCUSED: Financially successful people are focused people, they set goals and work towards achieving it, instead of just making money and spending it, they take the time to create financial plans which enable them to reach long-term goals, and then they stick to those plans.

THEY NEVER STOP LEARNING: Financially successful people never stop learning, that’s not to say that they spend all their time reading, rather they stay informed on the latest tips and ideas and seek to be inspired by others in the financial and business industries.

POSITIVITY: Financially successful people surround themselves with positive people and they do not waste time on negativity, they give less time to TV’s and irrelevant things round.

SATISFACTION: Financially successful people are never satisfied with their accomplishments and what they have achieved, they believe they can do more and do better.

ATTITUDE: Financially successful people don’t talk too much; they make things happen, they don’t complain; they change course, learn from it and look for ways to use it to their advantage. They take full responsibility for themselves and their actions; they believe they are in charge of their future.

THEY DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: When they see a chance, they act and do not defer actions. They don’t take justifications; they are fast to take action till they achieve the unexpected. If you want to be successful, you have to create and act on opportunities.